Genital Herpes in Children: A Rare but Dangerous Condition

According to Saed News Family Service, genital herpes is a condition that causes sores around the genital area. It can occur at birth, in which case it is called congenital herpes. Otherwise, it may develop at any time later in life. Congenital herpes can sometimes evolve into a systemic infection, known as systemic herpes.

Is Genital Herpes Common in Children?
Genital herpes in children is rare. However, if the mother carries the herpes virus, there is a chance that the child could be infected. In newborns, genital herpes may occur if the mother experiences an outbreak just before labor, exposing the baby to the virus while passing through the cervix and vagina. If the outbreak occurs earlier in pregnancy, the risk of transmission is lower because the mother’s immune system has had time to produce antibodies that are passed to the baby through the placenta, providing protection. If the outbreak occurs late in pregnancy, a cesarean delivery may be recommended.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes in Children
When a child becomes infected, flu-like symptoms often appear. Immediate medical consultation is essential. Common signs of genital herpes in infants and children include:

• Itching or pain in the genital area

• Blisters or bumps on the genitals

• Fever

• Swelling and tenderness in the groin

• Muscle aches

• Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge

• Pain or burning during urination

The first infection typically appears 2–14 days after exposure. Blisters or bumps usually last about three weeks. After the initial infection, the virus becomes dormant in nerve cells but can reactivate under certain conditions, such as:

• Illnesses that weaken the immune system

• Stress

• Fatigue

• Sun exposure

• Menstruation in girls

How Is Genital Herpes Spread in Children?
If there is no history of contact with the virus, sexual abuse must be considered. Pediatricians may ask questions to identify the cause.

Complications of Genital Herpes in Children
Herpes virus can cause severe, potentially life-threatening complications in children, including:

• Damage to vital organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart

• Dangerous viral infections like viral meningitis

• Recurrent painful blisters on the skin, eyes, genitals, or mouth

• Blindness

• Hearing loss

• Seizures

Diagnosis of Genital Herpes in Children

• Analysis of fluid from sores

• Blood tests if no sores are present

Treatment of Genital Herpes in Children
There is no cure for genital herpes. Doctors prescribe antiviral medications during outbreaks to reduce severity and frequency and minimize transmission risk. Treatments include topical or oral antiviral medications. In cases of severe or recurrent infections, children may be tested for immune system disorders such as HIV to guide further treatment.

Prevention of Genital Herpes in Children

• Teach children proper hand hygiene and avoid touching their genitals without washing hands

• Promote healthy personal hygiene habits

• Avoid letting anyone with herpes kiss a newborn

• Provide age-appropriate sexual education to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections

Advice for Adults

• Antiviral medications minimize the severity and spread of outbreaks in children

• Condoms reduce the risk of transmission

• Pregnant women with herpes should inform their doctors, especially if experiencing outbreaks late in pregnancy, to evaluate the need for cesarean delivery

Cesarean Delivery and Maternal Herpes
If a mother had herpes before the third trimester or early in pregnancy and shows no symptoms at the time of labor, natural delivery may be possible. The CDC reports that the risk of transmission in such cases is under 1%. Maternal antibodies provide protection to the baby.

However, if symptoms are present during labor or a first-time outbreak occurs late in pregnancy, cesarean delivery is recommended, as the body may not have had time to produce protective antibodies. Outbreaks at other locations on the body generally do not require cesarean delivery. In some cases, doctors may delay labor or administer antiviral medication to reduce the risk of neonatal infection.

Conclusion
Genital herpes is a lifelong condition that primarily affects adults but can also impact children and adolescents. Proper personal hygiene and sexual education can prevent transmission. Any unexplained sores in a child’s genital area should prompt immediate consultation with a pediatrician.